When her hopes are shattered by war, one woman will risk
everything to save those she loves
American horse trainer Adia Kensington is living her dream of working at the
famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland, where the best Arabian horses in the
world are bred. But her plans to bring a priceless stallion to the US are
derailed when the German army storms into her adopted country in 1939. Little
does she know this is just the beginning of six long years of occupation that
will threaten her beloved horses at every turn.
Bret Conway is at Janów Podlaski under the guise of a news reporter, but his
true mission is intelligence gathering for the British. That and keeping Adia
safe, which is harder and harder to do as she insists they must evacuate two
hundred and fifty horses to save them from being stolen, sold, or eaten by the
invading forces. What follows will test Bret's and Adia's physical, mental, and
emotional strength, as well as their faith in God, humankind, and each other.
This epic story of escape, capture, resistance, and love is based on true
events of the uncommon heroes in World War II Poland.
My Thoughts:
Going into this story I certainly did not know what to expect. I just knew that this was a different WWII story than I have read previously. I have read a lot too, stories that take place all over, but this one focuses itself on Poland and the saving of its stallions for generations to come.
Adia is intent on saving the Janow Podlaski horses. She loves these animals and that love oozes off the page. She also loves her co-workers. She makes the best decisions she can at the time, and when war comes and overturns their peaceful life, well Adia is left wondering and doubting her decisions. I really related with her on that. Often, I am so careful to make a decision, and then sometimes it doesn't work out the way I intended. Of course, I am not in the middle of a country being invaded, but her perceived feelings of failure resonated with me.
Bret Conway is somewhat of a British spy. He is masquerading as a reporter and goes through a good dose of self-doubt and self-blame himself. He has also been given the task of keeping Adia safe, and if he can, get her out of Poland. Little did he know that extended to everyone and everything she loved.
For a WWII story, this is a unique one and gives the readers a different place and objective. The danger is palpable, and it is not only the Germans that are creating havoc, but the Russians as well. This was an epic story by a new to me author and taught me a little bit about a history I didn't know before. I look forward to more of her stories.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
About the Author:
Nicole M. Miller lives in Washington State with her husband and two sons, along with her Arabian horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, and guinea pigs. As a longtime horse owner, she's been involved in many horse organizations, including serving on the Clark County Fair Court and as Miss Teen Rodeo Washington. She's received national and regional awards for her nonfiction from American Horse Publications and the Society of Professional Journalists. See her stories in The Horse of My Heart, The Horse of My Dreams, The Dog Who Came to Christmas, and Second-Chance Horses. Learn more at NicoleMillerWriter.com.
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